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Travel around Europe in style

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INSIGHT Vacations, the leader in premium escorted journeys, has released its 2019 Europe Preview collection, comprising 87 unforgetta­ble itinerarie­s offering an array of magical Insight Experience­s across Europe, Great Britain, Ireland, Morocco and the Eastern Mediterran­ean.

These remarkable itinerarie­s take guests to some of the most iconic and memorable destinatio­ns in Europe and beyond. They also give true insight into the cultures and traditions of each place by connecting guests with local people, offering immersive, handson Insight Experience­s and introducin­g them to authentic regional flavours.

Each trip is handcrafte­d for travellers to discover Europe’s destinatio­ns and people and includes accommodat­ion at stylish hotels at the centre of the action, business class transporta­tion in luxury coaches and the personal service of an expert travel director, reflecting the company’s motto, “The Art of Traveling in Style”.

The 7D Vienna, Budapest and Prague package highlights the imperial monuments, distinctiv­e cuisines and exhilarati­ng cultural traditions of three magnificen­t capital cities.

In December, this is a perfect itinerary to experience Europe’s popular Christmas markets. Enjoy a private tour of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna and in Budapest, learn the secrets of traditiona­l strudel making before indulging in the rich, flavourful treats with aromatic coffee.

In Prague, a local expert will delight guests with tales of Bohemian kings during a private tour through the atmospheri­c courtyards of Prague Castle.

The 9D Alpine Christmas Markets package visits Germany, France, Austria and Switzerlan­d and is a magical journey of scenic drives through snow-peak alps. See Mozart’s family home in Salzburg and the 500-year-old Christmas Market in front of the cathedral.

In Munich, meet a stallholde­r and taste some local specialiti­es. Step directly into a fairytale with glittering lights and let the scent of cinnamon titillate your senses during your visit to Stratsbour­g, France’s oldest Christmas market set in front of the Cathedral. Or visit Freiburg, also known as “Jewel of the Black Forest”, for a romantic walk through the medieval cobbled streets and soak in the magic of its Christmas Markets.

In Zürich, a magnificen­t Swarovski crystal-decorated Christmas tree awaits at Europe’s biggest indoor Christmas Market.

The 10D Best of Morocco package is perfect to discover this fascinatin­g, multi-faceted country. Explore bustling Casablanca and visit the majestic Hassan II mosque, the largest in the country.

In Fes, walk through the ancient bazaar in the Medina, guided by a local expert, learn about the ancient craft of carpet making, witness age-old techniques of pottery making and learn how khobz, the local bread is made. You will also enjoy a delicious highlight dinner of aromatic tagines, exotic fruits and local wines while watching a traditiona­l folklore show.

In Boumalne-du-Dadès guests visit a traditiona­l nomad’s house and try authentic Berber tea, then travel onward to Ouarzazate, the film capital of Morocco, where blockbuste­rs such as Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars were filmed.

On the way to Marrakesh, guests visit the Unesco World Heritage site of Ksar of Aït Benhaddou. Once in Marrakesh, marvel at the world-famous Jemaa el-Fnaa, a hectic jumble of food vendors, dancers, snake charmers, storytelle­rs and acrobats.

Some other magical experience­s delivered by Insight Vacations:

– Meet a Scottish Baronet, Sir Ludovic Shaw-Stewart and visit the 10,000-acre historic Ardgowan Estate, home to Sir Ludovic’s family for 600 years. Enjoy a private visit and afternoon tea as he introduces his home and shares how one of his aunts befriended Florence Nightingal­e and other stories of the estate’s colourful history.

– Join a local Croatian fisherman and sail out to the azure waters of the Adriatic as he harvests the freshest oysters that will be served straight from the sea.

– Enjoy a home-cooked dinner in Sarajevo and taste traditiona­l Bosnian dishes like Bey’s soup, spinach and cheese pie and taste elderberry juice, all prepared with local produce.

– In Ljubljana, spend time in the Central Market, rich with the heady aromas of fresh fruits, vegetables and spices. Your local expert will share insights into some of the Slovenian delicacies and regale you with a tasting of local specialiti­es.

Enjoy last minute deals and savings of up to 15% on selected departures. Visit the CIT booth at MATTA Fair to get the best savings. Travellers who book early can take advantage of Insight’s Preview Price Guarantee for 2019. If the price of the journey goes up, Insight will honour the Preview price and if the price goes down, the company will refund the difference.

■ For more details, visit www.cit.travel, e-mail insight@cit.travel or contact 03-2091 9966. Drop by Booths No. 1353 – 1372 (20 booths), Hall 1, PWTC during MATTA Fair.

 ??  ?? Remarkable itinerarie­s take guests to some of the most iconic and memorable destinatio­ns in Europe and beyond.
Remarkable itinerarie­s take guests to some of the most iconic and memorable destinatio­ns in Europe and beyond.
 ??  ?? Have fun taking pictures with your loved ones while on a snowy getaway.
Have fun taking pictures with your loved ones while on a snowy getaway.
 ??  ?? December is perfect to experience Europe’s popular Christmas markets.
December is perfect to experience Europe’s popular Christmas markets.

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